Kathryn "Kak" Emma Johnson

Kathryn Kak Johnson of Rochester, MN, a loving wife, mother, grandma, friend and volunteer, passed away on February 28th , 2013 in Fort Myers Beach, FL.She was preceded in death by her son, Douglas in 1981 and by 2 brothers and 1 sister. She is survived by her husband, Dewey Johnson and by her children; Brad (Toni) Johnson of Rochester and Deb Schroeder of Duluth; loved grandchildren; Doug, John, Matt, Annie and step grandchildren, Gina, Tyler and Kaley; and 1 brother, Bob Swanson of Naples/Hayward. Kak was born on April 18, 1930 and grew up in Red Wing, graduating from Red Wing High School and Winona State University in 1951.She married her high school sweetheart, Duane (Dewey) Johnson on June 14, 1952.Shortly after their marriage Dewey joined the Army and served during the Korean Conflict.Kak achieved her long time ambition by teaching at Columbia Heights High School.Doug and Brad were born while the couple resided in Fridley.The family moved to Rochester in 1957 as Dewey started employment at IBM and Deb was born that same year.In 1969 she started teaching at Mayo High School and enjoyed coaching three sports during the early years of Girls Competitive Sports.Mayo High School continues to give the Kak Johnson Award to the top female athlete of the year. Kak volunteered in many community organizations and events.She is an Emeritus Trustee of the Ronald McDonald House recognizing her thirty-four years of generous support and interest for the families of the House.Kak is honored by being selected to the Rochester Quarterback Hall of Fame, the Red Wing High School Wall of Honor, the Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds Award and Sertoma Services to Mankind Award.Dewey and Kak were awarded the first Outstanding Amateur Sports Achievement Award.In 2009, they received the Mayor's Community Award for their volunteer service in the City of Rochester and were co-chairs of Rochesterfest.Kak had been a member of Christ United Methodist Church since 1957, an active member of the Rochester Plant and Bloom Garden Club and ex officio member of Rochester Amateurs Sports Commission. A celebration of life service will be at 11:00am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at Christ United Methodist Church with the Rev. Michael Wuehler officiating.Burial of her cremated remains will be at Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00pm on Monday, March 4, 2013 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and also 1 hour prior to the service at the church.Following the memorial service a lunch will be served. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester.